The classroom had fallen into an uneasy silence.The earlier clash still hung in the air — like static after lightning, faint but impossible to ignore.
Students stole quick glances at Han and Nie Fan, their whispers dying beneath the weight of the instructor's Qi. Even breathing sounded sharp in the heavy stillness.
Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, scattering across the engraved formation lines etched into each desk and the polished floor. Threads of faint light pulsed within them — quiet proof that this was no ordinary classroom.
At the front stood the instructor, hands clasped neatly behind his back. His presence was calm yet heavy, like a blade sheathed in silence.
"My name is Shen Liang," he said, voice steady and clear. "I will be your homeroom instructor, as well as your theory and practical combat teacher. Today's lesson is Formation & Qi Warfare and Tactical Combat — or, if you prefer, simply the Art of War."
He began to pace slowly before the class, each step measured."In one-on-one duels, power and technique decide victory. But in war, those things mean little without unity. When hundreds clash, when Qi floods the battlefield like a storm — a single cultivator's strength is but a drop in the ocean."
His gaze swept across the rows of students."That is why we developed battle formations and linked Qi techniques — methods that allow groups to act as one. Among them, two are the most fundamental: the War-God Battle Cry and the Battle Life Link."
He raised his hand, a faint shimmer of Qi gathering in his palm."The War-God Battle Cry channels your spirit and intent into a shared field — a surge that amplifies courage, strength, and focus among your allies. The stronger your will, the greater its resonance. It is not a shout, but a force of unity — a heartbeat that binds comrades together in the chaos of war."
Shen Liang took a slow breath, his eyes closing briefly. Then, his voice deepened, carrying an ancient cadence — part chant, part roar:
"Let the heart become steel,Let the breath forge unity,Let courage rise and fear fall silent —For in the cry of war, we are one."
As his final word echoed, the air trembled.A golden-red aura burst from his body, rippling outward like the toll of a distant war drum. The students felt their pulses quicken, their blood thrumming in time with the rhythm — a primal resonance that stirred something deep within.
Then, with a flick of his wrist, Shen Liang formed another seal. Golden threads of energy snaked out, connecting the practice dummies arranged at the front of the hall."The Battle Life Link," he continued, "binds a squad's Qi flow together. Wounds and exhaustion are shared equally — no one falls alone. But beware: if one falters under pressure, the entire formation weakens."
The golden threads pulsed once, then slowly faded. The faint echo of the War-God's Cry lingered in the air, heavy with the memory of battle.
The students' eyes widened as the golden threads of the Battle Life Link glimmered faintly before fading. The resonance of the War-God's Cry still throbbed in their chests, stirring something primal. Heartbeats quickened, breaths caught — for the first time, they felt it: the pulse of comrades moving as one, a unity that could shake mountains. Whispers of awe rippled through the room.This… this is how an army becomes unstoppable.
Shen Liang's tone softened, though his gaze remained sharp."Remember, this is just one of many techniques our ancestors developed — tools of survival and unity, forged on the battlefield. It was these methods that allowed them to stand firm, even against overwhelming odds."
His eyes swept over the class, his Qi pressing faintly against their hearts."Now then…" His voice cut through the silence. "Who among you will demonstrate first?"
His gaze settled on a calm figure near the center."You," he said. "What's your name?"
The student rose, composed and steady. "Han Xing, sir."
"Han Xing," Shen Liang repeated, testing the weight of it. He gave a small nod. "Good. Step forward. Let's see how you handle the War-God Battle Cry."
A faint murmur ran through the class. Nie Fan leaned back in his seat, smirking."Don't tell me the famous Han Xing is scared of a little demonstration," he said mockingly.
Sun Ren, seated nearby, leaned forward with a grin. "Ignore him. You've got this."
Han met her gaze, a calm smile tugging at his lips. "Thanks. Don't worry about him," he said quietly, unbothered by Nie Fan's words.
Nie Fan's smirk faltered. Han straightened and stepped into the open space at the front, every movement steady and deliberate — no hesitation, only quiet confidence.
He took a deep breath. The faint golden threads of the Battle Life Link shimmered before him, awaiting his Qi. Closing his eyes, Han reached for the formation… but it didn't respond.
Not enough… my Qi isn't synchronized, he thought, frustration pricking at his focus. He forced it again, sending waves of intent through the threads — but they shivered weakly, flickering before fading.
Nie Fan chuckled. "Ha. Can't even get this right? Pathetic."
Han's lips curved faintly. He can mock all he wants. It doesn't change anything.
"Silence!" Shen Liang's voice cracked like a whip. "Focus on your own cultivation before I call you up to demonstrate."
Han exhaled slowly, letting the reprimand and tension fade from the air. I can do this, he thought. Maybe I just need to feel the formation — not force it.
This time, his Qi moved differently — calmer, smoother, guided by intent rather than pressure. The golden threads pulsed in response, glowing with a steady, harmonious rhythm. The dummies shifted, aligning as one — the Battle Life Link resonating perfectly.
The classroom went still for a heartbeat. Then whispers of awe rippled through the students. Even Nie Fan's smirk vanished.
Shen Liang's eyes gleamed faintly. "Not bad. You've activated half the formation. Try again."
Han steadied himself, refocused, and let his Qi flow freely. The threads brightened, connecting every dummy until the room itself seemed to hum with unity.
Gasps rose around him. Some students leaned forward; others stared, wide-eyed.Shen Liang gave a rare smile. "Better. That's how the War-God Battle Cry is meant to resonate."
"Not bad, Han Xing. For your first attempt, that's quite good."
Han exhaled, a faint smile on his lips as he felt the formation hum under his control. Nie Fan said nothing — his arrogance silenced by disbelief.
Sun Ren leaned closer, eyes wide. "Well, looks like the formation gave me a huge boost in strength and Qi!"
As the last shimmer of golden Qi faded, Shen Liang clasped his hands behind his back."That concludes today's theory," he said evenly. "You've witnessed the essence of formation — now it's time to experience it for yourselves."
A ripple of excitement spread through the room. Chairs scraped, voices stirred.
"Gather your materials and head to the practical field," Shen Liang ordered. "The next session will begin shortly."
Sun Ren turned to Han, excitement lighting her face. "Looks like we're about to find out what real teamwork feels like."
Han gave a small nod, smiling faintly. "Then let's make it count."
As the class gathered their scrolls and jade tablets, Nie Fan brushed past Han Xing with a faint, cold smirk."Enjoy your little moment, Han Xing," he murmured, voice low but sharp enough for others nearby to hear. "Let's see how long that confidence lasts on the battlefield."
Han paused only for a heartbeat, then turned his gaze toward him — calm, unreadable, the faintest smile tugging at his lips."We'll find out soon," he replied softly. The steadiness in his tone only deepened Nie Fan's scowl.
Outside, a distant rumble echoed through the stone corridors — the pulse of Qi formations awakening for the next class. The air seemed to tighten, carrying a quiet promise of the trials to come.